This issues of Reflections steps back from the current fray over gender and sexuality and offers some thoughtful perspectives on the general issues, on the ethical principles that guide our thinking, and on the ways in which scriptural resources and "difficult texts" might be engaged. Our hope is that these reflections will help our readers to work through some of the divisive issues within communites of Christian conviction today and to help such communities address a comprehensible and liberating message to the world.